Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! Now that the gifts are all given, I can reveal what I made for gifts this year – Snuggies!! Each person received a handmade Snuggie (aka Slanket aka Blanket with Sleeves (the boring name)) in a fabric of my choice, with each fabric print specially selected to complement the recipient’s tastes.
Christmas Snuggies
Everyone graciously agreed to have this picture taken and posted on my blog. Thanks everyone – this will be my most popular post yet!
I found this great tutorial online for making Moravian Stars. I used 12 x 12 scrapbooking paper to make my strips. I made two different sizes. The strips for these small ones are 3/8″ wide by 12″ long.
Small Moravian Stars
The strips in this larger one are 1″ x 24″ wide (I had to tape two strips together in order to make it long enough).
Large Moravian Star
Here’s how they compare in size to each other.
Moravian Stars
I was looking for paper that was the same color on each side, however, I was able to get nice variations by arranging the strips differently before folding them. In one of the smaller ones, I folded the strips in half so that the wrong side of the paper was facing out. This created a pattern where the centers on side were patterned, the center on the other side was white, and the outside points alternated between pattern and white. On the red star, I used two strips that were right side out and two strips that were wrong side out. This created the pattern seen in the picture above.
These are a lot of fun to make. If you have trouble with the tutorial pictures, check out the video at the bottom. The only step that can be difficult to understand in the last one where you create the center points of the stars.
You can use these for all kinds of things – package tie-ons, ornaments, and garlands. I’ve also read you can dip them in wax (which is a nice way to preserve it and make it one color).
My friend wanted to make some little peace doves to give as gifts this year, and asked me to help her since she knows I love to sew! She emailed me a few pictures of some stuff birds she liked, and I was able to find a great FREE pattern at Spool Sewing for these birds (the free pattern is available for download in the right hand sidebar).
Little Blue Bird Softie
I stitched together a quick prototype on my sewing machine so we had a better idea of the finished product. It took no time at all and you could easily create a dozen of these in an evening. You can embroider little eyes using french knots, or you can attach a beads (be sure to do all these embellishments before stitching and stuffing it). Another idea is to embroider designs on the body, or create little wings in a contrasting color and sewing them on.
I don’t have a picture of my friend’s, but she used white felt for all her pieces, and then hand sewed them together with a blanket stitch (in white). It would have also been cute to sew around in contrasting color like red or blue. I plan to make some of these as well, but wanted to get this posted in so you can get the pattern and start making some yourself.
We used the pattern as is, and then used copper jewelry wire to make little feet. I pocked a hole in the bird body with a little awl, stuck in a dab of hot glue, then pushed the feet inside. Since the birds are pretty light, they stand up pretty well on the feet. You can adjust the feet after you get them glued in.
Aren’t these the cutest little patchwork stockings? I found the pattern FOR FREE on Connecting Threads about 2 years ago and have made quite a few of them. The directions show you how to make four little stockings (all the same patchwork pattern, but you can add variety by using different cuffs, bindings, and backing). It’s a great stashbuster since you use 10 different fabrics for this.
Mini Patchwork Stockings
This is done with a clever strip piecing method and takes very little time. I estimate that you can knock out all four of these in about 2 hours if you were able to work without interruption! These make great teacher gifts, gift card holders, candy cane holders, and decorations! One day, I plan to personalize some of them by embroidering a name on the cuff.
Mini Homespun Stocking
You can make different sizes by changing the size of the strips – imagine a set of miniature stockings that were half the size! Enjoy this pattern – there’s a lot you can do with it.
Introducing the Snowman Family! Here are some snowmen and women I’ve been working on for the past few weeks. I had an idea in my head about how to create some snowmen, but wasn’t quite sure what the end result would be. I didn’t want something too primitive – instead I was looking for something more retro and nostalgic. Vintage postcards provided the inspiration for the faces, which were painted on.
The Snow Family
I started by created a ball out of canvas, which was then painted off-white. I played around with some ideas for faces and created two different looks – the “sweetly sleeping” and “happy jolly”. The “sleeping” look was more feminine looking, which is why it was used for snow women.
Husband and Wife Snow-people
The first set was a snowman and wife. The top hat was made out of muslin and then painted black. The ears muffs were created from wool yo-yos and a strip of wool. After the headgear was glued on, they were painted with a coffee wash to lend an antique look.
Frosty the Snowman
Frosty was fun to make! He has the same top hat as the other guy, but also earmuffs (so he is double warm). Muslin was sewn together in a small cone to create the nose and then wrapped with string to give it a carrot texture. The face was painted on (eyes and mouth) and then the nose was stitched one. Next came his earmuffs and hat, then he was also brushed with coffee.
Candy Cane Snow-woman
This last one is my favorite one since it looks so different from the other ones. I knew I didn’t her to have an antique look – I wanted to keep this one more retro. I thought about adding the Santa hat when trying to think of another type of hat that wasn’t as involved as a top hat or bonnet. When the hat was placed on her head, she reminded me of a candy cane! This inspired me to paint her candlestick a cheery red and white. I just need to figure out a better way to paint on the white lines so they don’t look as wobbly. Any suggestions are welcome!
Here’s a project I started over 2 years ago (!) that I finally finished. I saw this purse in an issue of Quilt Sampler – it was in a photo of one of the shops that was featured – and fell in love with it! Through the power of the internet, I googled “Sewing Crow” and quickly found the pattern by Kindred Spirits
Sewing Crow Purse
I picked some bright colors for the applique, and when I was done stitching I sprayed the piece with distressing spray (walnut crystals mixed with water) to tone down the colors and give it a more aged look. I am very happy with the results. The handles were painted a glossy black, and two buttons were added for decoration. I will paint some gold stars on the handle, and also make a small wool strawberry to hang from one button, and find a little pair of scissors to hang from the other. Then it will be the perfect sewing bag!
The bag is roomy – the finished size measures about 12 X 15 – so it is big enough for most any project you want to take on the go. You can easily fit a full-size pattern, several yards of fabric/wool, and other accessories. I used a nice piece of orange Jo Morton fabric for the lining, and added two interior pockets (one in yellow and blue – Jo fabric of course).
I briefly considered embroidering something on the other side (“Keep it Thimble”), but instead opted to finish it up for now just to get it done! I can always go back and add the embroidery later. I’m so happy to finally have this finished! Are there any projects you’ve been meaning to finish – pull out one of them and see if you can finish it before the end of the year :).
This is the wool applique table runner I started working on last year. This is from one of the Need’l Love books that features fall patterns. I added acorns and oak leaves for that extra touch.
Plaid Owl
This guy wanted to have his picture on the blog too! He is the cousin to the other owl I made. My son has named this owl “Fancy” and the other owl is called “Sooder” (not sure how he came up with that one!).
My son and I have been having fun making some beaded christmas ornaments. I remember making ornaments like this when I was a kid and thought he was at the right age to have a lot of fun doing it. I started out with something simple – a wreath and a candy cane. These are simple and cheap to make, and you have the benefit of some great bonding time with your kids!
Beaded Ornaments
For the wreath you need:
18 Green Paddle/Star Beads
17 Red Faceted Beads (round)
10 Tri Beads (any color, all the same color creates a nice looking candle)
1 Red Pipe cleaner
Start by putting one green paddle bead on the pipe cleaner, then add a red faceted bead. Continue with this pattern until all the red and green beads are gone. One end of the pipe cleaner should have about 1 inch sticking out. Bend the beads into a circle and wrap the short end of the pipe cleaner around to secure the circle. Take the long end of the pipecleaner and twist it so it sticks up in the center of the wreath. String 10 tri beds on this end to create the candle (my son got creative and created a striped candle). Take the free end of the pipe cleaner and tuck the end into the top of the candle to create the flame.
You can finish this by tying a red bow out of narrow ribbon and gluing to the bottom of the wreath just under the candle. Loop clear thread through the top bead and tie into a loop to create a hanger.
For the Candy Can you need:
16 Red Tri Beads
18 White Tri Beads
2 Red Faceted Beads
1/2 Red Pipe Cleaner
Start by stringing one red faceted bead on the pipe cleaner. Leave about one inch of pipe cleaner free on the end. Then string on 2 white tri beads and then 2 red tri beads. Once those beads are gone, string on the last red faceted bead. Tuck each end of the pipe cleaner into the top of the red beads. Bend into a candy cane shape.
Finish by tying a green ribbon around the middle of the candy cane and tying on a clear thread hanger at the top of the candy cane.
Have fun! I have an idea for little christmas trees, but I need to special order the paddle beads. I will post a picture when done.
Still here!! It’s taken awhile to get back on track after the porch sale. I am working on some new things, but nothing ready to post yet. In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to post a retrospective of some of the handbags I made a few years ago (before I started blogging). Bags are one of my favorite things to make, since you don’t need a ton of fabric and you can usually complete on in a weekend.
Messenger Bag
This is a messenger bag I made for my husband. This is my own pattern – but I was inspired by the bag Jack Bauer carries on “24.” It’s hard to find a basic bag that a man would carry, so that’s why I designed my own. I used Black Canvas for the outside and a lightweight black cotton for the lining.
Black Forest Bag
This is the Black Forest bag (pattern by Melly and Me). This is a great fall purse, although it would pretty in Spring/Summer colors. I downsized the original pattern so it is more like a handbag than a tote bag. I love the little green buttons – they are the perfect accent!
Birdie Sling
This is the Birdie Sling (pattern by Amy Butler). Her patterns are always well-written and the bags are very stylish. Her bags tend to be rather large, so I reduce the size so I don’t get overwhelmed when carrying them (I am about 5 ft tall). I used Decor Bond as the interfacing for this, but it is way to stiff. The hand doesn’t fall right – but hey, that’s how we learn. After I made this bag, I found out about interfacing called “Shapewell”. It is sturdy but it is not stiff like Decor Bond. When used in this type of bag, the fabric drapes nicely (I saw some bags that used it a a fabric store).
Chelsea Bag
This the Chelsea Bag (pattern by Amy Butler). The notched handles were fun to make – they are note as hard as they look. I really like the simplicity of this design and when you use very bold and graphic fabric, you get something that looks tres chic! This bags uses an very stiff interfacing (almost like poster board) called Timtex. It was interesting to work with, as it does not have much give. It also is pretty thick, so you really have to take your time when sewing it.
Parasol Purse
This is the Parasol Bag (not sure of pattern, maybe Pink Sand Beach?). This was made with some delicious looking Batik fabric! This is a great stash-buster and also can look very different depending on what types of fabrics you use. You can also just use one fabric on the outside, instead of doing the different panels, which is another way to change up the look.
I hope you enjoyed my virtual purse show! More new projects will be posted soon :).
I was hoping to get this posted yesterday, but I think today is fine – the sugar high has finally worn off! My son wanted to be a spider for Halloween this year. I was so proud of myself because we picked out the pattern and bought all the supplies in early September! I was going to get it down early, but of course I was sewing it at the last minute :). The costume is from McCall’s 6180, but with a few modifications.
Spider 1.0
I made legs longer and didn’t put the ruffle at the bottom. The ruffles were cute, but since he is a “big boy” now they didn’t suit him. I had a lot of trouble turning the tubes to make the legs (the fabric was very thick and it was a struggle), so I used black socks for the tubes instead. Since we wanted to have some bend in the legs, my husband taped up florist wire to create a frame, wrapped batting around it, and then we put the sock over it. It yield nice long and fat spider legs – but the costume was very heavy! My son was a real trooper and wore it to a party on Friday night, but we figured we could do something better for the legs for the BIG night.
Spider 2.0
For Spider 2.0, my husband taped together 6 dowels, and covered them with electrical wire. We then cut the legs off of Spider 1.0 and used the socks to cover the dowels. More electrical tape was used to tape around parts of the socks (which created a nice jointed leg effect). The legs were much lighter, but since they stuck out it was a bit harder to navigate. My husband rigged up a harness so the legs would slip over my son’s arms, and then we tied them down with a piece of ribbon. All in all, Spider 2.0 was a great success and he got a lot of compliments while trick or treating.
Keep it Thimble 